New Season Now (Part 2)

Happy last bank holiday until Christmas. Really, someone needs to do something about that. Can we start a petition for a late October long weekend? And good luck to anyone who currently has a rogue teenager at Reading or Leeds festival. Let’s just hope they don’t get up to anything worse than I did when I was first there in 1990. Thank god we didn’t even have camera phones back then, let alone social media. There’s zero evidence.

As promised, here is part two of your new season round-up. I use ‘new season’ very loosely as things are just starting to trickle into the shops, some of these are likely to already be in your wardrobe, or are on sale from the summer but will see you through for a few more weeks/months yet. I am already collating (currently only in my head, but we’ll get there) the stand-out trends for autumn/winter. You’ll be pleased to know that quite a few of them are not particularly ‘new’, so there’s a good chance you can utilise what you already have and just add the odd piece here or there to bring yourself a little more up-to-date. I love it when that happens.

Let’s dive straight in with something I think is definitely making a comeback this season. That’s the waistcoat…

WILL YOU WEAR A WAISTCOAT?

I’ve seen a lot of the fashion girls on Instagram wearing their waistcoats with nothing underneath, which is great for now in the warmer weather and if you have the confidence to pull it off. Personally, I would add something under mine. Either my Uniqlo bra vest that I’ve become very attached to, or a plain white T‑shirt, or even a classic white shirt. To stop it looking too much like “I work in the city and I don’t have time for you and your fashion nonsense”, add trainers and a more casual jacket instead of a blazer.

A LITTLE BIT OF PINK

We can continue to blame Barbie I suppose, but I’m still into pink and I think adding a little to your otherwise fairly ordinary outfit is a perfect way to perk you up a bit. Plus (at the time of writing) these elevated Adidas Gazelles are back in stock and they add a lovely bit of height when you’re wearing your wide-leg jeans. Spoiler alert! That’s another trend I think will be staying with us for the next season. Wide legs are definitely where it’s at.

A MAXI SKIRT AND FLATS

Now, I’ve not been feeling longer skirts for the past couple of years, but recently I’ve been seeing quite a few that please me. I still like the denim midi we spoke about in spring and which I think will work for a few more months before we reach the realms of the 80 deniers. This one from Warehouse is really good and I think my code KATE20 works for 20% off there. I bought this cream skirt in the sale at Jigsaw, which is great for now with sandals and a T‑shirt, but would also work really well in early autumn with a chunky knit and trainers. I’m also coming round to the idea of a satin-style skirt worn with a simple sweater and flat Mary Janes. And your trench that you usually save for spring, that’s also perfect for early autumn.

LIGHT KNITS & WIDE LEGS

Firstly, for my more petite ladies, don’t think you can’t wear a wide leg. You can. I would advise looking for a higher waist to help elongate you and even out proportions. Sometimes crop-style trousers work too as they would be full length on anyone under 5’3.

I also highly advocate finding a good alterations place, whatever your size, as they are so useful. Many a return has been saved by the skills of a good seamstress. Even on our local high street (mainly chicken shops and Turkish barbers) there are two: one in the dry cleaners and one in the fabric shop. The lady in the fabric shop only charges £6–£12 for trouser alterations, and it makes all the difference in getting the perfect length for you.

BREAKING UP THE BLACK

I have to admit that this is another Barbie-inspired outfit. There was a dance that the Kens did where they were wearing all black with dark pink socks and loafers: I took that and have run with it. You could, of course, use any colour socks that you like. Doesn’t have to be pink, but it’s a great way to break up an otherwise fairly dull monochrome look. Make sure you wear with cropped trousers – I think they’re the best for loafers and socks. You could always get your newly found local seamstress (or male equivalent, of course) to take up a pair of trousers you already own if you want to try this look.

LATE SUMMER DRESSES

It might be the end of summer, and those long, laid-back linen days are numbered, but simple T‑shirt dresses or a classic stripe will work for a few more weeks even if the sun isn’t shining. Add a blazer or a cardi if it’s chilly. Much to my chagrin it’s still too soon to think about corduroy just yet. Saying that, I did have to snap up the new cord version of the Uniqlo ‘Tardis’ bag this week because it’s THE most useful bag ever and I love it even more in my favourite autumnal fabric.

Next week I will either do white jeans and how to wear them even at the end of summer and into autumn (mainly because I bought a great pair on sale when I was on holiday), OR I will take a more thorough look at the pieces I think will be big for the rest of the year.

K x

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...